An Ottery businessman is looking to offer ‘affordable’ new housing if he secures planning permission to build five new flats in the town centre.

Stuart Phillips, of Tickety-Boo, has submitted an application for the former electrical shop at 8 Mill Street.

It is proposed the shop frontage and a portion of the floor space is maintained, while the rest of the ground floor is converted into an office.

The remaining spaces will be converted into five self-contained flats on the first and second floors. Four of the homes would have two bedrooms, while the fifth would have one.

Father-of-three Stuart, who was born in the town, said the shop portion of the property could be used for a business that will compliment his Mill Street coffee shop, although plans have yet to be firmed up.

Mr Phillips said: “I’m planning on offering affordable housing with a high-quality finish on the top section of the building, similar to what I did at number 12 [Mill Street].

“I believe everybody should have access to high-quality housing at a reasonable cost, which is the principle reason for putting in the proposals.

“I’m keen on creating a more exciting high street in the town; one that’s more attractive for businesses and customers alike.

“In the past two years, Tickety-Boo has had a really positive impact on the community - it’s great that so many people have been supportive and I hope we will have the same effect with the new venture. I want to keep investing in the town and continue putting back into it.

“I was born in Ottery and I love it here. I’m not planning on going anywhere else, so it’s important to me to do the best thing for the town.”

The flats would either have shared ground floor access off Mill Street or access off Hind Street through the former garage.

The plan also includes new windows and the construction of an additional storey.